The days of contracts, overpriced television, and expired promotions are over. Instead, you should look to a la carte television options that let you pay for only the channels you need and not the 50 channels you have but don’t watch.

The future consists of watching TV on your time and your budget without a contract.

I have saved thousands of dollars and a tremendous headache not dealing with satellite contracts and high cable prices. Despite doing this I still get to enjoy premium TV and favorite series at a fragment of the cost.

If I’m not over paying for TV then neither should you. That’s why I’m here to share these options with you and help you tailor them to your needs!

Below are 5 of my favorites for replacing cable TV or satellite and gaining your way to television independence.

HOW CORD CUTTING WORKS

Cord cutting means eliminating cable and satellite TV in favor of internet television. This works by companies offering “TV” style services through your internet instead of installing a satellite or using cable. These options bring a tremendous opportunity for freedom and financial savings; allowing you to be in overall better control of what you watch and how much you pay.

Examples of “cord cutting” options include:

SlingTV

PlayStationVue

DirecTV Now

FobuTV

HuluTV

YouTube TV

Also local channels, premium movie services, and traditional favorite such as Netflix!

With so many awesome options at a fraction of the price there is no reason not to drop that satellite subscription and change your service to on-demand instead!

What You Will Need

The next thing is understanding how to access these services. First of all, you will need the internet. This of course is easy enough, and something most households in this decade.

Next, you will need a way to access these services through the internet. This will require some type of online streaming device. Of course phones, computers and iPads work; however for TV you will need one of the following options (keep in mind many come free as cord-cutting incentives):

nearly any Smart TV

Apple TV

Roku Player

Amazon Fire

Chromecast

Video Game Consoles (Like a playstation, etc…)

Blu-ray Player

Essentially you will need something that can stream the internet and download apps (to play these streaming services on).

Once you have a device all you need to do is create an account with your favorite service through their website and use that to sign into their app on your device!

Below are some of my favorite live streaming options for cord-cutters. These awesome alternatives will make you forget that cable and traditional satellite services even exist.

SlingTV

SlingTV is one of the cheapest options available. Its base package starts at 25$ and can range to over $40 depending on the number of channels and add-ons you want. Sling does not have contracts. Therefore, you can watch and cancel as you please! Below are a few key features of SlingTV.

Packages ranging from $25 - $40+

Arguably the best bang for your buck

Additional add ons available including the Sportsman’s Channel, Outdoor Channel, and Lifestyle Channel. These add on packages usually cost $5.

PlayStation Vue

Did you know PlayStation has come out with its own TV service? It’s called PlayStation Vue and it packs quite the punch to cable and satellite providers.

With PlayStation Vue, you get a much larger pick of entertainment and a few fancier features than compared to Sling. This bigger assortment of channels also comes at a bit of a premium cost starting around $40 and exceeding $80 if you want to go all out.

However, “all-out” also includes movie channels such as HBO and Cinemax. As a bonus these can also be bought as standalone features with one of the cheaper packages.

Locals and sports are also a great option on Playstation Vue, with plenty of channels such as ESPN, Fox Sports North, NBC Sports and more. You can find the whole list of channels available by clicking here.

Playstation Vue options include the following:

Large assortment of channels

DVR capabilities (different DVR options for each user)

Can be viewed on up to 5 devices

Locals in select markets (check their website for more)

Top Package has over 90 Channels + Premium Movie Channels including HBO

Available on Roku, AppleTV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and of course Playstation devices

Playstation Vue is a premium version of SlingTV at a premium cost. However, you have more control over what you watch and what you pay for those channels. There also is no cords and no contracts.

DirecTV Now

This is one of the newer additions to the group and arguably DirecTV's attempt to compete with Sling TV (which is owned by its rival Dish Network).

DirecTV Now has a diverse package of options and comes with it’s own perks such DVR and discounted premium movie channels. Of course, just like with the other services, the amount of local channels available to you depends upon your individual market.

As mentioned previously, having an antenna around is always an added benefit.

A few key features of DirecTV Now include:

DVR included

Very large selection of channels

Prices range from $40 to $75.

HBO & Cinemax only 5$ each

Starz and Showtime only 8$ each

If you are an ATT subscriber you can get a large discount!

Determining if DirecTV now is right for you depends on two major factors:

If you are an ATT subscriber

If you are a premium movie junkie

DirecTV Now is the perfect option for AT&T users and those who love premium movie networks - such as HBO. However, if you aren’t a power movie watcher or an AT&T customer, then an option such as sling may be more appropriate for you.

FuboTV

Fubo is probably one the best kept secrets, as it isn’t nearly as well known as it’s competitors. If you are a sports fanatic and need to get ALL of your locals, then FUBU is for you. The other providers mentioned above, ONLY OFFER LOCALS TO SELECT NETWORKS. Usually the biggest cities in the country; however, Minneapolis isn't included (which would be somewhat relevant to us). So keep that in mind. We love sports, including hockey and we DO NOT get our locals on our TV because of this placement in our basement. Therefore, when we are in NEED of them, Fubo comes to the rescue. They also offer a diversity of other channels for a total of $34.99. Again, there is NEVER a contract with these. Mix and match as you please!

Local Channels and Sports (no matter where) - NO NFL RedZone

Regional Sports

Standard $35 Pricing

DVR Access

Available on AppleTV, Chromecast, Roku & Amazon Fire

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

Remember these aren’t the only options available to you. In fact, there are new prepaid competitive services becoming available all the time. There are also traditional services, such as Netflix, Hulu, or even standalone movies services like HBO that works as a great alternative as well.

What’s Best For You

The only way to find to out which service is best for you is to analyze your television habits, try a few of the services, and come up with a budget. By looking at these three factors you can pick the perfect service for your goals. Most importantly, you aren’t bound by contract and can change from month-to-month depending on your favorite shows or seasons.

Do you want the cheapest live TV options possible? Then look into SlingTV.

Are you a big RedZone fan? Then you also will want to look into SlingTV.

Are movies your primary interest? Then check out DirecTV Now or standalone movie services

If sports are your primary interest then try Fobu first.

Simply interested in saving money while still getting the essentials? Then don’t be afraid to simply try a quality antenna.

Remember, they all have 5 or 7 day free trials - so you can find out which one works best for you!